In the years of famine, I led a comfortable life with my husband

Soon the results of the imperial examination were announced, and a huge list was posted at the palace gate. People came and went in an endless stream, and many people were waiting to see who would be the top scorer.

On this day, Su Zhizhi originally wanted to come with Su Peizhi to check it out, but just as they were about to leave, Su Peizhi stopped her and said, "Sister, it's just a public notice. I can go and check it out myself. Jiaojiao is still asleep. If she wakes up and sees you're not at home, I'm afraid she'll make a scene again."

Thinking of her daughter, Su Zhizhi hesitated, but still said, "It's just a matter of checking the rankings. It shouldn't take long. Besides, Jiaojiao is a deep sleeper, so it looks like she'll need to sleep for a while. It's a good opportunity for me to go out and bring her some delicious food."

Su Peizhi smiled and shook his head. "Sister, you can stay at home. I'll be back soon and won't delay anything. You, on the other hand, should also have a good rest. Just make a list of what Jiaojiao wants to eat and I'll buy it for you when you come back. You don't have to go out again."

Seeing Su Peizhi's insistence, Su Zhizhi didn't say anything more. She just handed Su Peizhi a list and said, "Remember to be careful on the way. There aren't many things. Just come back after you finish shopping."

The brother and sister talked for a while, and seeing that it was getting late, Su Peizhi hurried out and headed towards the palace.

When Su Peizhi arrived, there were still many people gathered at the palace gate to watch the fun.

Su Zhizhi finally squeezed into the crowd and planned to start from the last person. He knew his own weight and was even prepared to fail.

But before Su Peizhi saw many of them, he heard people around him talking: "Hey, look, this year's top scholar, it seems we have never heard of him before."

"That's right, look, it's that guy called Su Peizhi. I haven't even heard of him in the capital."

"What the hell is going on? It never seems to be like this in previous years."

"I don't know, this seems to be the first time..."

"Perhaps this person is gifted?"

"..."

When Su Peizhi heard his own name, he couldn't believe it at first, but he didn't choose to ask. Instead, he went to see who the first person's name was. When he saw it, Su Peizhi's pupils suddenly shrank, and his whole body froze in place, with a storm in his heart.

That was not someone with the same name, it was clearly Su Peizhi himself.

Su Peizhi didn't understand why this happened. He was very clear about his own abilities. Although he worked hard every day, it was absolutely impossible for him to become the top scorer.

At the moment, Su Peizhi was in a daze. He did not feel the joy of winning the first place at all, but was filled with fear.

He was trying hard to think about what had led to him becoming the top scorer. Suddenly, in a flash, Su Peizhi recalled that when he entered the examination room, it was Xie Chengjin who escorted him there. The invigilator saw it all clearly. Recalling the look in the invigilator's eyes when he handed in his paper, Su Peizhi suddenly had a guess in his mind.

He didn't bother to buy Xie Jiaojiao's favorite food and hurried back to Xie's house.

Su Zhizhi saw Su Peizhi coming back in a hurry and found it a little funny. She came up to Su Peizhi and said, "Why are you so flustered? Are you too happy because you did so well in the exam?"

Su Peizhi shook his head breathlessly, then said, "Sister, where is my brother-in-law now?"

"A Jin? He just came back from the morning court and should be in the study. Do you have anything important to tell me?" Su Zhizhi was a little confused, but still pointed in the direction of the study.

Su Peizhi nodded, turned around and was about to walk towards the study, but after taking a few steps, Su Peizhi seemed to suddenly remember something, retreated to Su Zhizhi's side, and dragged Su Zhizhi towards the study together.

Su Zhizhi didn't understand what was going on, but she still followed Su Peizhi towards the study.

On the way, Su Zhizhi noticed that Su Peizhi was acting strangely and couldn't help but ask, "Peizhi, what happened? Didn't you go out to check the list? Why did you come back in such a hurry?"

Su Peizhi didn't say anything, just pursed his lips. Seeing Su Peizhi like this, Su Zhizhi also tactfully shut her mouth and said nothing more.

It was not until he reached the study that Su Peizhi breathed a sigh of relief.

Xie Chengjin looked at the two people who broke in in front of him, a little confused, but still put down the things in his hands and looked at Su Zhizhi who was puzzled and Su Peizhi who was worried.

Su Zhizhi came to Xie Chengjin's side. Facing Xie Chengjin's puzzled eyes, Su Zhizhi also returned a confused expression. The two of them simply stared at Su Peizhi.

Seeing that Su Peizhi still didn't speak, Su Zhizhi couldn't help but feel anxious. "Peizhi, what happened? Tell me."

Hearing this, Su Peizhi sighed deeply, then remained silent for a moment before finally speaking, "I went to check the list today, but my name... appeared at the top."

After hearing this, Su Zhizhi gasped, while Xie Chengjin looked thoughtful and said nothing.

"What did you say? Top of the list?" Su Zhizhi was suddenly excited. "Could it be that you..."

Su Peizhi looked at Su Zhizhi helplessly with an "I knew it" expression, "Sister, can you please stop getting excited? I think there's something wrong with this."

"What's wrong with this? Isn't it good to be at the top of the list?" Su Zhizhi immediately retorted. She didn't understand why Su Peizhi looked like he was facing a great enemy.

Xie Chengjin calmly asked, "So what are you doubting?"

Xie Chengjin looked at Su Peizhi with a sharp gaze. Su Peizhi pursed his lips and said, "I know my level very well. I'm lucky to be on the list, but now I'm at the top. I think... there's too much water in it..."

Su Zhizhi was stunned when she heard this. "What do you mean...?"

"Yes, I think there's definitely something wrong. Of course, I can pretend I know nothing and quietly accept the top spot, but after all, I'm just a figurehead. If this matter is ever exposed, I'm afraid none of us will have a good ending. After going through so much, I just hope our family can be safe and sound. I don't want any more trouble to arise."